0 the act of directing someone to a different place or person for information, help, or action, often to a person or group with more knowledge or power: --
The doctor gave him a referral to (= arranged for him to see) the consultant.
1 an act of sending someone or something to a person or place where what is wanted or needed can be obtained: --
Her doctor gave her a referral to a specialist.
2 the act of directing someone to a different place or person for information, help, or action: --
3 someone who is directed to a different place or person for information, help, or action: --
Patients come from all socioeconomic groups either directly or after referral from other hospitals.
Such referrals would be to a broad range of health and social care agencies, for example, mental health, podiatry and physiotherapy.
These workers then relay the information (by fax) to the referral units of the contracted agencies.
The aetiology of such pain is usually obvious, but continued facial pain may merit referral to a maxillo-facial surgeon.
Practitioners received new referrals at the same time as having to deal with their existing case load.
Every new referral (consultation episode) during the 3-year period was recorded, as were details of appointments, clinical investigations, treatment and disposal.
Often, appropriate interpreters cannot be arranged for first appointments, as the language spoken by the patient is not recorded in the referral letter.
I arranged for a referral to the local hospital.
